World Cup 2030 is the first tournament played across three countries and two continents, and that creates a paperwork puzzle no previous World Cup has posed. Spain and Portugal are in the Schengen area, Morocco is not, and the centenary matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay add a third set of rules for fans who want to follow the tournament's history. The good news is that for most fans the paperwork is straightforward — but only if you start early, check the rules for your passport, and never leave it to the last month.

Spain and Portugal: the Schengen rules

Spain and Portugal are both members of the Schengen area, which means a single visa covers both countries and fans can travel freely between them without border checks. Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan and many other countries can enter Schengen visa-free for up to 90 days, which covers the whole tournament. Fans from countries that need a Schengen visa should apply early, because embassies get very busy before a World Cup.

The Schengen visa application needs a valid passport, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, proof of funds and a return ticket. Apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time, and apply at least three months before travel. The visa is usually valid for the whole Schengen area, so a fan with a Spanish visa can attend matches in Portugal without a second application.

Morocco: a different set of rules

Morocco is not part of Schengen, and its visa rules are different. Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days, which is enough for the tournament. Fans from countries that need a Moroccan visa must apply at a Moroccan embassy, and the process is separate from the Schengen application — one visa does not cover the other.

The key point for fans is that travelling between Morocco and Spain or Portugal means crossing an international border, with passport control and customs. Keep your passport with you at all times, allow extra time at airports and ferry terminals, and check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Some nationalities need a transit visa even for a short ferry crossing, so check the rules for your passport before you book.

The centenary matches: South America

The 2030 tournament opens with centenary matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, celebrating 100 years since the first World Cup in Montevideo in 1930. Fans who want to attend those matches face a third set of visa rules: Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay each have their own entry requirements, and most European, North American and Australian passport holders can enter visa-free for tourism, but the rules vary by nationality and can change.

Attending a centenary match means a long-haul flight to South America and then another long flight to Europe or Morocco for the main tournament — a serious commitment of time and money. Check the visa rules for each country separately, allow plenty of time between flights, and make sure your travel insurance covers all three continents. For most fans, the centenary matches are a once-in-a-lifetime trip on their own.

Passports, insurance and the paperwork checklist

Your passport is the most important document of the trip. Check that it is valid for at least six months beyond your return date, that it has blank pages for stamps, and that it is in good condition — a damaged passport can be refused at the border. Keep a photocopy and a photo of it on your phone, and store the original in your hotel safe when you are not travelling.

Travel insurance is essential, not optional. It should cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage and emergency repatriation, and it should be valid in all three host countries. Some Schengen visa applications require proof of insurance, and a hospital bill in Europe without cover can be ruinous. Buy insurance early, read the small print, and carry the policy number with you at all times.

World Cup 2030's paperwork is manageable if you start early: check the visa rules for your passport, apply months ahead, keep your passport valid and insured, and never assume one visa covers all three host countries. The football will be worth the admin.